Mental health issues can affect people of all ages, from childhood to adulthood. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues so that you can seek help if needed. Symptoms vary widely and can affect mood, thinking, and ability to interact with others. Mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological.
If a person is entering a rehabilitation program for drug addicts or alcoholics, trained therapists, doctors, and social workers can evaluate the patient for any co-occurring mental health problems. Three-quarters of people likely to develop a mental health disorder will notice their first symptoms by age 24. It is difficult for professionals to precisely access what came first, addiction or mental illness, so people with a comorbid diagnosis require a different line of treatment than those who only have a drug addiction or a unique mental health condition. The most common mental health conditions are anxiety disorders, general anxiety disorder, PTSD, panic attacks, social anxiety, and phobias, followed by depression and bipolar disorder. Examples of mental illnesses include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and addictive behaviors.
If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to a medical or mental health professional. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Resource and Consultation Branch 301-443-4513 can provide more information about mental health issues. Mission Harbor is dedicated to treating Santa Barbara and Los Angeles counties with specialized mental and behavioral health programs in a comfortable outpatient setting.
